Customer Reviews

Marcella: A Raggedy Ann Story

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Johnny Gruelle has a rare gift to capture fantasy and joy better than anyone does. Few books whisk me back to the carefree days of a bygone childhood world faster than his. I remember reading "Marcella" as a little boy again and again. Not only were the stories between its covers utterly delightful but also the drawings couldn't have been more marvelous! While 'surfing' the Internet this afternoon I found myself (as I so often do) on Amazon.com. Never believing that this book could possibly be available, imagine how thrilled I was to discover it would ship within 24 hours! Of all the Raggedy Ann books this is by far my favourite. Whether you have a child or not, no home should be without these innocent stories and fabulous pictures. Relive a simpler time of warm summer days and adventures along the beach. Sure to raise anyone's spirits after a long day of voicemails, faxes, e-mails, and 21st century advancements. Amazon.com and the computer never cease to amaze me, I can barely wait to see the Raggedies and their friends again after all these years!

Ok, I admit it. I only bought this book because of its title. I know it's childish but come'on, wouldn't you be tempted to do the same if your name were Marcella? But then when I started reading it, it was so good I couldn't put it down. How can you not like Marcella and her beloved dolls? The kindness and love here are truly captivating. "Marcella" is really a special book. It's a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated story every child in the world should be exposed to. I take a bow to Mr. Gruelle and his talent. So, if you have children or if you just like magic tales - like me -, buy it now. You won't regret it!

Johnny Gruelle has a rare gift to capture fantasy and joy better than anyone does. Few books whisk me back to the carefree days of a bygone childhood world faster than his. I remember reading "Marcella" as a little boy again and again. Not only were the stories between its covers utterly delightful but also the drawings couldn't have been more marvelous! While 'surfing' the Internet this afternoon I found myself (as I so often do) on Amazon.com. Never believing that this book could possibly be available, imagine how thrilled I was to discover it would ship within 24 hours! Of all the Raggedy Ann books this is by far my favourite. Whether you have a child or not, no home should be without these innocent stories and fabulous pictures. Relive a simpler time of warm summer days and adventures along the beach. Sure to raise anyone's spirits after a long day of voicemails, faxes, e-mails, and 21st century advancements. Amazon.com and the computer never cease to amaze me, I can barely wait to see the Raggedies and their friends again after all these years!

My 9 and 5 year old daughters absolutely love this book. After listening to the story, they were inspired to take out their own dolls and engage in hours of imaginative play. The stories are about Marcella along with her dolls and toy animals. While their owners are out sight, the dolls stop pretending that they cannot move and talk, just like "real-for-sure" people. Each chapter is about an adventure that they have, like a day at the beach, or a tea party with Marcella. Johnny Gruelle was an incredibly talented man, his illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and his writing is lovely. Each chapter with gentle lessons about being loving and kind toward one another. The book was a tribute to his own daughter Marcella, who tragically died at the age of 13. Raggedy Ann was a beloved doll given to Marcella by her grandmother, the author's mother. The Raggedy stories were first written to entertain his daughter while she was ill and were later published. They are a true gift, magical, beautiful, and innocent, like the children they were written for. A rare treasure in today's society.

I remember reading this story as a child and loving it. When I found it years later with my mother and pages had been torn out through the years, I knew exactly where to go. I was surprised that I received it much faster than anticipated and it was in excellent condition... Just as if came off the shelf. Looking foward to sharing the story now with my children.

Follow the timeless adventures of dear Marcella (who died young from a contaminated vaccination) and her beloved Raggedy Ann! In his grief, Marcella's father-Johnny Gruelle, wrote the stories he shared with and had observed of his daughter with her beloved Raggedy Ann and 'other playthings' to share with everyone!
Full of childhood innocence, pureness of heart, kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness and a chuckle or two as you follow Marcella and her 'toys' in an imaginative wonderland that is TIMELESS TREASURE, for sure!!!

Raggedy Ann is limp, weak and floppy like her loving caregiver little Marcella who was poisoned while she was at school. This back-story is unknown to many people, but gives us a deeper reading of this book, a wonderful, timeless little tale for tiny ones.

The heart of the story traces back to a family disaster, and although too scary for tots, it is powerful example of the cruel path of destruction vaccines have caused for untold families for a hundred years. I am sure the author would have preferred to not have needed to write this book in the first place, born of such misery and pain...I applaud the author for sharing with the children of the world what could have remained a little family treasure. It has been welcomed by many families who share beautiful memories reading together, turning the pages under the hush of anticipation. Johnny has created a tender tale for little ones of all ages.

But ask and Wiki tells us
"Marcella died at age 13 after being vaccinated at school for smallpox without her parents' consent. Authorities blamed a heart defect, but her parents blamed the vaccination. Gruelle became an opponent of vaccination, and the Raggedy Ann doll was used as a symbol by the anti-vaccination movement."

What a loving father to attend his daughter so lovingly, and fight for all children at risk of the profound and disturbing effects of vaccination. Great book by a great man! Five stars!!!!